Phytochemical Characterization and In vitro Effects of Extracts Produced from Different Maytenus ilicifolia Matrices on the Activity of Intestinal Disaccharidases

Introduction: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. Ex Reiss, Celastraceae, popularly known as “espinheira-santa” is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes. However, studies proving efficacy for the treatment of diabetes are scarce. Furthermore, it is believed that the presence of chemical constituents responsible for pharmacological activity may be affected by environmental variations. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the occurrence of variations in chemical composition, total polyphenol content, total tannin, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity in vitro for different matrices of M. ilicifolia.

Methodology: Chemical characterization was determined by CG-MS. Total polyphenol and total tannin contents were determined by spectrophotometer readings using standard gallic acid and tannic acid curves, respectively. In vitro antioxidant potential was determined by reducing the DPPH radical. In vitro antidiabetic activity was determined by inhibiting intestinal disaccharidases (maltase, sucrase and lactase) from a commercial glucose measurement kit produced by incubating intestinal homogenates with their substrates.

Results and Discussion: The results indicated the presence of variations in the chemical constituents and their concentrations, the total polyphenol content, total tannins and the in vitro antioxidant activity among the different tested extracts of M. ilicifolia. It is believed that these variations may be responsible for the differences found in inhibition of disaccharidases for the three intestinal enzymes.

Conclusion: Extracts 116 and 122 showed the best results in disaccharidase inhibition, however further studies are needed to investigate the results and reproducibility in vivo.